Back To Basic Training Ep.5

[@bbrakes5814]

Honestly Kevin, you dont need guests, I like hearing your stuff, lessons and stories, you dont need anybody else!

[@lgdurocher]

Agreed

[@bradpittman5075]

100 man. I love it. Just keep talking brother. Much appreciated. Especially for levity. To me at least.

[@jimsweet3256]

I agree

[@waynerothrock1623]

💯

[@robertpao2931]

Laid up with an injury and was a real treat to listen to 5 episodes in a row. Your story is a quintessential American story. Lately I have been very down on how things are going in the US. Listening to you today gives me hope. Hats off to your wife for holding down the fort on your multiple deployments under some very difficult situations. The NY INS story was great!

[@chrisvance6400]

I honestly look forward to this podcast more than anything on KZbin.

[@TheBenny1683]

I can only imagine what your wife had to go through. She must be one hell of a woman. I thank her for supporting you, and I thank you for your service.

[@kevinmccullough691]

Discovered you on Mike Ritland's podcast. Glad you have your own platform now. You're a great story teller. Awesome content, that brings history, valuable lessons, and some laughs. Thanks for your service and taking the time to share your life with us 🙏🏻🇺🇲🇮🇪

[@AdrianMulligan]

I lived in Frankfurt between 2001 and 2006, I made lots of friends in the marines, they always hung around the Irish pubs, great guys... always getting into mischief, MPs were patrolling all the time trying to reign them in, they were wild.. but, so nice, they were so young and green... I often think about them, this was after 9/11. I wonder how many survived... the best guys ever to hang with!

[@manbeerowl4728]

It is so weird watching you tell these stories in this format when I knew you as SSG Owens. Good to see you doing well, Ramrod.

[@kevinowens9636]

Thank you

[@markshoaff3776]

Damn, I was laughing so hard at the airplane assault story, my wife thought I was having a stroke! I was a sergeant in LE for 20 years and I can totally relate!

[@ricksargent8754]

Dude, I love these talks. Rings back memories from long ago!

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Respect for having the humility to be an E-1 at 29. I recently recommended a friend's kid graduating college this week join the military. He's a terrific kid, but needs direction. In an unstructured corporate position he could flounder.

[@JonesActual]

I love the way you shoot from the hip with these podcasts. They are genuine. The art of just telling a good story is being lost, you nailed it.

[@socshooter]

I am so glad I found your channel. Listening to your stories I'm laughing and bring back memories so similar to many married privates. ($495 every two weeks) However I had a great 1st SGT and Plt SGT that were great mentors and leaders. Outstanding show.

[@sysop007]

I too went through Infantry basic being an “old man” at 30 about 10 years after you. I wasn’t the oldest though we had a NG soldier who was in his early 40’s I believe.. but we started with Alice gear, shelter halves and the old down sleeping bags. I think we continued using alice for a year or so in my first duty station until we got the molle gear. Good times.

[@simon134]

Who needs guests when you can tell these awesome stories....Keep Crushing Kevin!

[@jasons4882]

Riveting stories, really thankful that you did this series in podcast video format. I was fascinated since the Cleared Hot podcast, and this is everything I was curious about and more.

[@johnd5244]

Enjoying the podcasts! Don’t ever feel your boring people.

[@snowmanfl]

I love hearing your story, I think this is ripe for an autobiography book.

[@stevegoldberg8209]

Been listening in on a podcast app, but came on here to say the podcast is great and keep it up. Also, the Ballistics 101 series was awesome and I'm sure I speak for many people when I say we would love to see more in that series. Great work!

[@joeloz0125]

Man that dude burning over whites in the trash bags has to be one of the best laughs I’ve had in years 😂 thanks Kevin !

[@bowdude33]

You’re the man Kevin, the pod will grow naturally with time glad to be here from the jump

[@timcaldwell6217]

Kevin, I have heard your story numerous time but I’m really enjoying these segments. Would love to meet you in person one day.

[@BruceMusto]

Kevin, been meaning to listen and today I did. Started with Ep. 6 but when you mentioned that your wife had been banned from USA for 10 years, I was like whoa, wait, got to hear this story. So just finished Ep. 5 and oh gee why am I not surprised the U.S. military (pick a branch) f'ing over their own. Nothing but respect for the fact that you didn't let discouragement get the better of you and you endured. Having served in two nation's armies, you bring a unique perspective that's not found elsewhere. Plus you can tell a story with good humor and you point out that there is a lesson to be learned with everything. I can relate to the experience of a peacetime US military. I did 20 (79-99) USN, my brother did 21 (73-94) USMC and he was with the 1st Marines in Desert Storm, plus other brothers and numerous family members have served so nothing but respect to you Mr. Owens for the service you provided to two nations. I was just enlisted also but I apologize that at certain times the US Military seems to be run by a bunch of idiotic buffons. Best wishes for continued success and a long and happy life. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

[@triplehfarmsllc7348]

Gotta say I really enjoy hearing your journey Kevin!!! And I feel super bad for your wife and how she was done I understand it kinda because of 9/11 but they should have taken care of her citizenship at the same time as yours! Keep the video’s up brother I could watch them for hours straight! Thank you for your service and thank you for still serving the citizens still to this day through fieldcraft survival! Your the staple of a true hero! If you happen to read my full comment are you located in NC still or no! I’d love to actually come to a calls sometime that your actually a part of I’m located 10 minutes from the center of NC just above Moore county in Randolph county Nc

[@kevinowens9636]

Thank you Sir Yes in Aberdeen NC, come and say hi

[@triplehfarmsllc7348]

@@kevinowens9636 I’m definitely gonna do that! Seen Jan 22 your doing class! I’ll be there 100%

[@dalehenry4694]

Kevin your story is so cool.

[@curtphish270]

Yeah i remember intrinsic action. I deployed out there in 99 with 2/69 armour.

[@bestrong144]

I agree you really don’t need any guests,I have listened to all the podcasts so far and have been nothing less than captivated by the stories and thought provoked by the lessons that come with them. Taking a field craft survival course in the spring hope to maybe have the privilege of you teaching it, keep the videos coming brother !!!

[@KylePage]

This is turning out to be the most interesting and clear cut auto biography on tape.

[@eliasbonilla8087]

Awesome stories. Absolutely Huge Props to you and your family for immense sacrifices for our Country 🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@doggie7602]

What an amazing story, it just keep going and going.

[@michaellothyan1789]

Great life you inspire me 🙏

[@juniyananajukyu]

Bro, keep talking! Don't worry about time. You have so much awesome stories.

[@chaimlevin125]

I saw a short and now I’m hooked! You’re super interesting!

[@kellyBorgman]

I love his story especially the Ft Hood part. Ive been to Killeen, Copperas Cove and Wichita Falls!!

[@Summit_Moto_Utah]

That AR on the cover pic... awesome!!! Love this pod cast!!!

[@m118lr1]

Kevin, GREAT! Have listen to two of your podcast.

[@MAXimumEffort44]

Love this pod. In the marines as of 2013 which is when I went in, at the end of boot camp there was a ceremony for a few of the marines were granted citizenship upon completion of it. Not sure when that started tho

[@blackfootmechanical5413]

Hello Kevin! I'm a little bit late to the party, found your via a garand thumb video. The way you spoke and talked really made you easy to listen to and I been listening when driving out to the field for work. When you mentioned Nate Self, I recognized the name and couldn't remember why but you later answered my question, I'd read extensively about Takur Ghar a couple years about and that name stuck with me

[@SpicyAl3000]

Gold as always :) Thanks!

[@irishmike8218]

That plane rescue story had me rolling on the floor!

[@j.lokibass1430]

Your story is so entertaining Kevin. Last 15 mins had me on my seat worried for your wife!

[@Michaeldckry1]

You’re doing an amazing job. I could listen to you for hrs.

[@FeWolf]

Interesting that tha you mention about base housing, my neighbors across the street on base was 2 1stSGTs, we got a new Garrison Commander, 1st thing he did,was all above SSG, had 90 days to move off base, Ft Bragg now has Federal Employees, ( civilians employees ), living on base. I read the book " Two Wars ", good book.

[@shortstackdale4516]

Id like to hear more about your SFAS experience as an older guy in the next one. You have a great story. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@williamferguson8914]

Im looking to go in at 33 after already owning a business for 10 yrs and doing college. Lost my business during covid but what im getting from this video is you have to look out for yourself in the army because they wont.

[@ArnoTrek]

God....Your mid to late 90s mech experience mirrored mine except I was an FO. Spit shined motor pool, POS PL and Section SGT, no real realistic training, guys getting popped for drugs, AWOLs, suicides, etc. You nailed it to a T. Thankfully, I was at Ft. Carson. Grew up a FL boy originally, but going snowboarding, whitewater rafting, hitting the trails, etc., was a fucking a blast.

[@ToddBranda]

I was at Ft Hood about the same aera, I resigned from active duty because of the same things you are talking about. I felt like we were marginalized as soldiers even at the Warrant Officer level as a helicopter pilot.

[@Jam-vj8ig]

Great listening to you, I definitely found my new go to podcast. Thanks Kevin..... Keep up the great work !

[@fullauto6974]

Don’t worry about the time .. I would listen for 8 hrs if it’s a good story.might be driving to work at work wherever,but I can pop in the air pods and listen pause if I need to download it and pick back up 🤙🏻from one lad to another keep doing your thing and follow your gut with confidence 💪🏻

[@Conorkinsella]

Kevin you have had the most interesting life ever

[@harryturner4113]

Really enjoyed all the videos in this series. Learned a lot, thanks.

[@wyattterrell]

I love listening to these please keep them coming

[@AP_in_SC]

I love every piece of content you put out bud. Thanks for getting me through the stressful times brother.

[@FourFront99]

LOL, can't believe you told the story about the dudes going up to hook up with the under age girls. I was in that unit, and remember that all going down. I remember pulling CQ with you, and talking about your background before you came to the US, and just having my mind blown.

[@EdwinYee1]

If your interested, just wanted to hear your opinion on the current regular US Army right now and in the near future of maybe going back to that peacetime mindset like how you experienced in the late 1990s in this video. And why you think the entire US military is having a recruitment crisis.

[@jaxmeoff3974]

Another great one Kevin. Thanks bro.

[@notownsavage2024]

Another great one!

[@MikeGuadango]

another great episode Kevin.

[@sabot1919]

I love your videos brother. Thank you very much for your service.

[@justingast7671]

Awesome podcast!

[@craigrobertson6082]

Always awesome to hear these stories, but surprising about the lack of support in your early transition. I reckon those dudes feel pretty bad about not helping you out now.

[@micealmacadaim6550]

Did you ever meet David Hughes at Akins Barrack. His fatger was a Sergent in the Irish Army.

[@kevinowens9636]

Not that I remember

[@thomaswhisnant6573]

Love your story!

[@adamfl7345]

Tell your boss to start promoting your show! had no idea you started one!

[@cadamsm11]

Great podcasts…Maybe I missed it, but what was your first service rifle in the American army, 1996? A2? On a related note, didn’t I hear you on a podcast say that the 5.56 was plenty effective? All you seem to hear online is criticism of the rifle/round. Crazy, but we were still training with A1’s in the 1991 Air Force.

[@timbroderick4454]

Great story. You overcame a lot of obstacles. Shows your strength. Wanted to ask was the Protac shop outside the Curragh when you were there?

[@kevinowens9636]

Don’t remember it

[@michaelmulligan0]

Does the US military work a back week then?

[@ThePleasent1]

Hey Kevin, a fascinating insight into your life. But I curious mate, why did you join the US forces over joining the the British army /Royal Marines.

[@Wes_Is_A_Mess]

@kevinowens Did you know David Bellavia MOH recipent when you were at 2-2 he was also in A Company. He would be a great guest for a future podcast.

[@kevinowens9636]

No I didn’t know him

[@michaelmulligan0]

😂😂😂😂 the bin bag story 😂

[@JG54206]

What if you’re older than 18 and still don’t know what you wanna do?

[@awilderireland]

😂😂. I became a US citizen in San Francisco in 02 also. Another Donnelly visa Guy. I'm one of the boomerang dual citizens who went back to Ireland. You must have served with my friend's brother in the ARW. I don't want to say his name on here. But he would have been around your (and my) age. If you're interested let me know and I can send you a message/e-mail. Keep on Rockin!

[@LtGenAile]

That "up or out" thing seems really weird to me. It would be good idea that everyone under E-7 could serve a full 20 years and E-7s and above could go on for another 7 to 10 years.

[@tech6263]

I’ll come on you’re show

[@randylep]

what was harder training ARW or US SF

[@elpolitemexa2272]

Have you been to México?

[@northside7]

I keep saying it, I'd listen to Kevin read the back of a cornflakes box lol, whatever 'it' is you have it in spades.

[@dylanonthedozer561]

We're you in Schweinfurt or Graf?

[@kevinowens9636]

Vilseck

[@gatormcklusky5850]

Pulling up my chair let's go..

[@BruceMusto]

frocking = all the responsibility without the pay.

[@sire24657]

Were you allowed to wear your Irish jump wings at Basic Training graduation?

[@kevinowens9636]

No, because they were not earned in the US

[@sire24657]

@@kevinowens9636 Thanks. I forgot about that part.

[@williamscore5322]

Hahahahaha, he pretty much summed up 30th AG in 2 minutes.

[@theogangryscotsman7607]

we were in Kosovo at same time

[@robertd1211]

When you're eighteen or nineteen and don't know your ass from a hole in the ground, a 29-year old is ancient. LOL. It hurts that at this point they're just another kid. Not so LOL.

[@kuttermcneil1520]

You say that not everyone can be a leader, but that seems to go against what the US military thinks. Is the US military just confusing competence for leadership? Obviously, everyone wants competent leaders, but just because you're competent doesn't mean you'd make a good leader. So, how do you find leaders?

[@kuttermcneil1520]

I'm really stuck on the idea of leadership, so I'd be interested in any insights you have.

[@kevinowens9636]

I think it should be left to the individual, some people don’t want to be in charge or feel they are not ready just yet, but the Military force it upon them and often they fail

[@kuttermcneil1520]

@@kevinowens9636 what about those that want to be in charge but wouldn't make good leaders? How do you find or make leaders?

[@madjester2645]

PRIVATE!!! yes SGT!!!!! .... if you were going to order a whole pizza by yourself and eat it, would you get it with 8 or 12 pieces?..... I am eating by myself? SGT!!! YES!!! PRIVATE!!!... well I would order it with 8 pieces because I cannot eat 12 all by myself SGT!!!!!.........

[@cgdeery]

Have you get that fine woman of yours on giving her story..strong supportive partners are hard to come by..

[@tmmccormick86]

Was it obvious to you, at the time, that you were experiencing the US Army transition from the late Cold War "peacetime Army" into the more professional and competent force that it grew into post-9/11, or did that only become tangible in the years after?

[@kevinowens9636]

I think it because more obvious later

[@whiterabit09]

Hearing about the poverty new soldiers endure is so irritating.... when there are white collar government bureaucrats that are paid unnecessary large amounts of money and entire projects that waste taxes.

[@kevclaremcd]

Great stuff Kevin, like me you have the support of a very strong wife.